Depression is a crippling mental illness that seems to gnaw away at the mind like cancer. It is characterized primarily by feelings of hopelessness, a loss of interest in daily life, and excessive sadness. Unlike other illnesses, depression often cannot be visibly detected, which makes it all the more dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in 2013. People who suffer from depression often feel that there is nobody around who recognizes what they're experiencing. Tragically, many turn to suicide as a way out.

To make matters worse, there is a stigma that surrounds mental illness.

Some people still seem to believe that depression and emotional distress are signs of weakness and feeble character. The Huffington Post reports that just 25 percent of people suffering from mental health issues feel that others around them are sympathetic toward their illness. The reality is that depression is a serious public health concern. The stigma only works to prevent depression sufferers from seeking out the medical and psychological treatment that they need. As a result, tragedy often strikes, tragedy that inflicts untold despair on loved ones.

Luckily, depression isn't impossible to spot. If you know what to look for, it's possible to help people who are suffering from depression. Here are some symptoms that should send up red flags if you notice them in friends, family members, or coworkers:

Drastic changes in appetite. People may either overeat or completely lose their appetite.

If you notice these symptoms in someone you care about, it's time to sit down with them and ask about how they're feeling. It's important for people to remember that there are many resources available that can help them handle their depression. By recognizing the symptoms of depression, you may very well save a life.

Staffing Plus is a premier healthcare staffing firm that provides temporary, per diem, temp-to-hire and permanent Staffing Solutions for Behavioral Health, Education, and Healthcare settings. We have leveraged decades of experience to assist organizations with the challenges of managing their HR and Recruiting needs.